HumAnes of UCLA: Lori Laddaran, MD PGY-2 | CA-1 Resident Physician

I was born and raised near Los Angeles, specifically the San Fernando Valley. I left for the East Coast and Northeast for undergrad and medical school, respectively. During my M1 summer, I won the FAER Medical Student Anesthesia Research Fellowship and was matched to UCLA to conduct research in machine learning. I fell in love with anesthesia and machine learning research then. UCLA has such an amazing database and mentors that I knew right away it was the best residency program for me.

Tell us about your family, including any pets you may have.
My parents are originally from the Philippines and immigrated to the US, eventually settling in Los Angeles when they were in their teens and 20s. I have three older sisters who are my best friends. I am so lucky to have them in my life, and they are one of the main reasons I decided to move back to LA! I also have the most perfect nieces and nephews who have ever graced this world.

What are some interests or activities you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love rock climbing, reading, trying new matcha and coffee shops, exploring LA, going to concerts, and seeing my friends and family.

What’s a hobby you were really into as a kid? What's a hobby you've always wanted to try but haven't yet (or a hobby you've recently picked up and are enjoying)?
I used to play the piano and still love listening to classical music. I would love to relearn how to play!

What does your ideal day off look like? 

I’d start my morning meeting up with a friend and going to Pilates at Solid Core and then getting an iced americano with cold foam. Afterwards, I’d go to a bookstore with my husband to find more books to read and read or work/study. I’d then meet up with my sisters and my mom and go to a Korean spa. Then eat dinner with my whole family in Ktown. After, I’d go out with coresidents to a concert and somehow get to bed at a reasonable time.

If you could instantly learn a skill or become an expert in anything, what would it be?
There are too many things in this world I would like to learn and be an expert in! I would love to learn how to play the cello or violin. I wish I could alter my own clothing. Or have a profound knowledge of statistics and machine learning. Or learn the languages of my parents – Fujian and Tagalog. I want to do so many things during this lifetime! I honestly wish I had a Time-Turner, but for now I am working on becoming the best anesthesiologist I can be.